Many of my friends and I currently find ourselves amid too much “stuff.” We are cleaning our garages, weeding through piles, and overall de-cluttering. When birthdays and holidays roll around, I’m hearing more often, “I don’t need any stuff” – and we are celebrating one another with gifts of activities, experiences and our time.
The truth is, at this busy stage in life, time is vastly more valuable and precious than anything material. I work full time, participate in ministry, and run a household by myself. Because time is finite, I must budget where it is mostly wisely spent. Choosing to be with someone reflects his or her deep value to me. But am I making the most of that time together by being fully present?
Last week, this page addressed hineni – the idea of being present and ready to respond to God. I want to be fully present with God, whether I am answering a particular call, or engaging in one on one time with Him. But I also want to be completely engaged when I am with others. Yes, there will be times when things are hectic and multitasking is needed. But I want to be intentional about making sure there are times I am fully attentive, not distracted, and really listening to those I’m with.
Here I am. Hineni. Just me, trying to be, not just do.
I’m going to try harder to practice the discipline of being WITH someone; not checking my phone, not looking past their shoulder, not thinking of what I’m doing next. It’s a hard discipline these days with so many distractions, but I want you to know you’re worth it.
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. Ephesians 4:2-3
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